The clinical value of CT and MRI in preoperative TNM staging of esophageal cancer

Both CT and MRI demonstrate high diagnostic value in the preoperative TNM stage of esophageal carcinoma. While CT is more economic and easier to operate, MRI offers superior contrast of connective tissues and multiplanar imaging, making it particularly valuable in evaluating T4 stage and assessing tumor invasion of adjacent organs. Limitations exist in early T-stage and N-stage assessments due to difficulty distinguishing mucosal infiltration and differentiating metastatic from non-metastatic lymphadenopathy. Multimodal imaging strategies and tumor-targeted contrast agents may enhance staging precision.